Self Assessment

We’re committed to growing the grassroots recovery movement across Minnesota

MARCO’s certification is a process that helps Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs), whether emerging, new, or long-established, strengthen their service to the recovery community. The first step in the certification process is self-assessment.

Building a Recovery-Oriented Future!

We recommend that all organizations working on becoming an RCO take MARCO’s self-assessment, even if you’re not sure you want to become certified. It will familiarize you with the basic framework of a Recovery Community Organization and help you identify areas where you might need coaching, mentorship, or other resources.

The topics addressed in the self-assessment align with Recovery Community Organization criteria defined in Minnesota Statutes 245B.01 Subdivision 8 and 254B.05 Subdivision 1, and National Standards for Recovery Community Organizations.

Start the Self-Assessment

There are no wrong answers

Your organization may not be doing everything in the self-assessment, and that’s okay. This is a tool to help you benchmark your organization against a range of possible RCO activities that align with the core RCO criteria.

This is a guide

Your responses to these questions in no way preclude, guarantee, or otherwise influence MARCO certification and are intended only as a guide to help you prepare for your application.

Ask us for help

If you need assistance completing the self-assessment, please contact us at info@marcomn.org.

What's next?

After you submit your self-assessment, you will be emailed a copy of your answers and MARCO staff will contact you to schedule a time to discuss it with you. We will work with you to identify strengths and areas that might need work before submitting your application.

MARCO can provide coaching, connect you to resources, and help you create a work plan to complete any items needing improvement. Our goal is that all organizations who proceed with applying are 100% prepared. When you are ready to apply, you will request to application from MARCO.

CONTACT MARCO WITH YOUR QUESTIONS

Lighthouse Beginnings

LHB came to life when we became a 501(c)(3) in 2020. We built a board of directors of people in recovery. LHB launched for the purpose of assisting and empowering individuals to remove the roadblocks experienced while in the recovery process.

LHB was developed and continues to be managed by individuals with lived experience, education, diverse backgrounds, and different pathways of recovery. We have locations in Brainerd and in Minneapolis, trying to expand our reach to those who face recovery daily, know people in recovery, face homelessness, or have been wrongly incarcerated.

Service Delivery Options

On-site at a physical location
In-person in the community through outreach
In-person in the community through pop-up sites at other provider locations

Services Offered

Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (1:1 support)

On-demand recovery navigation (call/email)

All recovery meetings

Volunteer/internship opportunities

Recovery skills-building classes

Social recovery events

Our Approach

Peer support encompasses a range of activities and interactions between people who share similar experiences of being diagnosed with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or both. This mutuality is often called “peerness” — a connection between a peer support worker and a person in or seeking recovery that promotes connection and inspires hope.

Peer support offers a level of acceptance, understanding, and validation not found in many other professional relationships. By sharing their own lived experience and practical guidance, peer support workers help people develop goals, create strategies for self-empowerment, and take steps toward building fulfilling, self-determined lives through individualized wellness plans.

Outreach & Resources

Onsite supplies
Street outreach (support, education, supplies)
Referrals to Medication Assisted Recovery
Overdose prevention training

Harm Reduction Supplies

Naloxone/Narcan
Fentanyl test strips
Xylazine test strips

Additional Support

Recovery residences / sober housing
Housing stabilization support services
Mental health peer support services
Food shelf / food assistance
Clothing shelf / clothing assistance

Programs & Events

Public trainings

We've offered anger management classes, as well as an all-recovery meeting every Tuesday at 1 PM.